master-cooks | How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board So It Doesn't Warp

To clean a wooden cutting board without causing it to warp, begin by rinsing the board under warm water immediately after use, avoiding prolonged soaking. Use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface, ensuring you remove any food particles and bacteria. Rinse again with warm water. To prevent warping, avoid placing the board in a dishwasher or submerging it in water for extended periods. After washing, towel-dry the board thoroughly and stand it upright or lay it on its side to air dry completely, promoting even drying and preventing moisture from causing the wood to twist or warp. To maintain the board's condition, periodically apply a food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to hydrate the wood and create a protective barrier against moisture. Rub the oil or wax in using a clean, soft cloth, allowing it to absorb overnight before wiping away any excess. Regular maintenance not only prevents warping but also extends the life of your cutting board, keeping it in optimal condition for daily use. Remember, proper cleaning and care are essential for preserving the integrity and appearance of a wooden cutting board.

What tools you will need

To clean your wooden cutting board, you'll need dish soap, a sponge, and a cloth. It's best to use a cloth that is absorbent yet low-shedding.

If your board is quite dry or hasn't been treated in some time, you'll also need an extra clean washcloth and some food-safe wood oil. We recommend Howard's cutting board oil, which has provided excellent results for us. Additionally, if your cutting board retains any strong odors or has been used for particularly fragrant ingredients, you'll want to have some salt and a lemon on hand.

There is some discussion regarding the use of bleach on wooden cutting boards. While some individuals believe a diluted bleach solution is acceptable, it's important to remember that bleach is highly effective for disinfection. However, you should never combine lemons and bleach. Choose one cleaning method or the other, but do not use both simultaneously.

What not to do

The most important rule is to avoid soaking your wooden cutting board in water. While it may get damp during use, fully submerging it can lead to swelling, warping, and overall deterioration. You should never need to place a wooden cutting board directly in water. Similarly, refrain from putting it in the dishwasher, as wooden boards cannot handle excessive moisture and heat.

Scrape off big chunks

The initial stage of the cleaning process involves using a knife or a bench scraper to remove any large pieces of food. This may include peels, pits, cheese rinds, or anything else that was cut on the board. The more you remove at this stage, the simpler it will be to clean the board later.

Optional: Rub with salt and lemon

This step is not mandatory, but it can be helpful if you detect an odor from your board. Generously sprinkle salt over the surface. Then, take half a lemon, squeeze some juice, and rub the cut side of the lemon onto the board. Let the board rest for a minimum of five minutes.

Wash with soap and warm water

Drench your sponge in warm water. Add a little soap and clean your board. Rinse frequently to make sure all food particles are eliminated.

Rinse your board

Carefully rinse your cutting board with warm water to eliminate any soap residue. Avoid soaking the wooden cutting board in water, as this may cause it to warp. Instead, use running water for rinsing.

Sanitize

Please remember not to combine the bleach option with the salt and lemon option. Choose one method only, as mixing lemon and bleach can produce harmful gas. To prepare the bleach solution, mix two tablespoons of bleach with one gallon of water. You can either spray the solution onto the surface of the board or use a cloth to apply it. Let it sit for 10 minutes, ensuring you treat both sides.

Dry off your board

Utilize a towel to wipe or dab the cutting board, removing as much water or moisture as possible. Stand the board upright to enable air circulation around both sides, allowing it to dry completely.

Optional: Add oil

If your cutting board appears worn and lacks luster from frequent use, it's time to oil it. Use a small quantity of food-safe wood oil and spread it across the surface of the board. With a clean, dry cloth, evenly distribute the oil over all areas to rejuvenate the wood's moisture.

How often do you need to clean your cutting board?

It's essential to clean your cutting board after each use. If you use it frequently, consider sanitizing it once a month or every couple of months. However, if you prepare meat on your wooden cutting board, it's crucial to sanitize it after every use to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. In such cases, using a diluted bleach solution is advisable, even if it may cause some discoloration.

How to store your cutting board

Wood is prone to various issues, such as cracking and warping. To maintain your board in optimal condition, store it in an upright position. It's best to keep your boards away from heat sources, like near the stove or above the refrigerator. Furthermore, ensure that your board is kept in a dry environment to prevent moisture from causing the wood to swell or become misshapen.

How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board So It Doesn't Warp